March 2016 newsletter

IN THIS ISSUE : Church Announcements .................................................. page 2 Church-wide Calendar ..................................................... page 3 A Letter from Pastor Ross ................................................ page 4 Music Ministry ................................................................. page 5 Adult Discipleship ........................................................... page 6 Bible Studies & More ....................................................... page 7 Encore Ministry ............................................................... page 8 A Letter From The Editor .................................................. page 9 Student Ministry .............................................................. page 10 Children’s Ministry ......................................................... page 11 Preschool Ministry .......................................................... page 12 FBC School ..................................................................... page 13 Special Announcements .................................................. page 14 From Troy’s Heart ............................................................ page 15

CHURCH ANNOUNCEMENTS Experiencing God Sunday Bible Study Series Follow Up - We want to thank Bible Study Leaders and members for their diligence and enthusiasm as they worked through the Seven Truths of Experiencing God. Weekly, we heard great things from people as they put the truths into practice on their spiritual journey. It is our hope each follower of Jesus will look to see where God is working around them and join Him. Yes, there will be Godsized assignments that may lead us to a crisis of faith, but if we make the necessary adjustments and obey, we will experience God in new and meaningful ways. Remember, God is pursuing a love relationship with each of us!

New Wednesday Night Bible Study - March 2nd “Scrapbook of Our Savior” 6:30pm room 111. We will be looking at pivotal moments of Jesus’ life. Come and bring a friend. You will be glad you did!

Women’s Ministry “Together” - Sunday, March 6th at 9:45am. The ladies of our church are invited to the gym for a time of food, fun, and fellowship. This gathering is to help our ladies get to know one another and prayerfully consider future ministry events.

No Wednesday Night Bible Studies - Spring Break, March 16th.

Hope Sunday School Class - will be traveling to the State Capital Building in Austin on April 26th to hear Franklin Graham, the CEO of Samaritan’s Purse, the ministry that oversees Operation Christmas Child. If you are interested in going, please contact Donna May at 979-421-0072.

Welcome New Church Members:

Lilly Kuespert, Billy and Glenda Graham, Robert and April McCorkle, Scott and Gail Cole

CHURCH STAFF

Ross Shelton, Pastor rshelton@fbc-brenham.org Troy Sikes, Associate Pastor tsikes@fbc-brenham.org Charles Covin, Music Minister ccovin@fbc-brenham.org Alex Morrison, Minister to Children amorrison@fbc-brenham.org Chad Marrs, Minister to Students cmarrs@fbc-brenham.org Stacey Strickland, Preschool Ministry sstrickland@fbc-brenham.org

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Teresa McGlasson, Office Manager tmcglasson@fbc-brenham.org Annette Guenther, Comptroller aguenther@fbc-brenham.org Donella Peevler, Church Receptionist dpeevler@fbc-brenham.org Ernie Lewis, Graphic/Media Tech elewis@fbc-brenham.org O’Dell Merryman, Facilities Manager omerryman@fbc-brenham.org Nancy Jahns, School Administrator njahns@fbcsbrenham.org Kristie Mendoza, Mother’s Day Out Director mdo@fbc-brenham.org

CHURCH-WIDE CALENDAR MARCH: 1 Piece Makers - Student Center 9:00am

2 Special Called Business Meeting - Room 112 6:00pm

4 FBCS Texas Celebration - BBQ Dinner (Drive Thru Only)

Washington County Fair Grounds 5:00pm

6 Lord’s Supper Observance 8:30am & 11:00am

6 Deacons Meeting - Room 111 2:00pm

6 Church Council Meeting - Room 112 4:00pm

8 Security Committee Meeting - Pahl Livingroom 6:00pm

8 Adam’s Angels - Sycamore Garage 6:00pm 10 School Spring Performance/Open House - Sanctuary 6:00pm 10 Relocation Committee Meeting - Pahl Livingroom 6:30pm 11 FBCS-School Committee Meeting - Pahl Livingroom 8:00am 11 Adult 3 Fellowship - Sycamore Garage 9:00am 13-19 Penitas Family Mission Trip 14-18 FBCS Spring Break/EEC Open 16 No Wednesday Night Bible Studies - Spring Break 25 Church Office - Closed Good Friday Holiday 25 FBCS/EEC - Closed Good Friday Holiday 27 Easter Worship Service 9:00am & 11:00am - No Sunday

Bible Study

Handbell Choir - 9:00am Worship Service 29 Kids/Youth Meal Fundraiser - Bush’s Chicken 4:00 - 8:00pm 30 Coffee With the Pastor - Room 112 6:00pm 31 Encore Luncheon - Simon Theatre Movie/Tour 10:00am APRIL:

3 Lord’s Supper Observance 8:30am & 11:00am

3 Business Meeting - Gym 4:00pm CHURCH OFFICE HOURS: Mon - Thurs: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm, Fri: 8:00 am - 3:00 pm.

First Baptist Church Contact Info: Ph: (979) 836-2807 Fax: (979) 830-0122 info@fbc-brenham.org Mailing address: PO Box 600, Brenham, TX 77834 LINKS TO CHECK OUT ONLINE CHURCH & SCHOOL WEBSITE: www.fbc-brenham.org CHURCH FACEBOOK PAGE: www.facebook.com/BrenhamsFirstBaptistChurch SCHOOL FACEBOOK PAGE: www.facebook.com/Brenhamfbcs

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UPCOMING & SUMMER EVENTS I once went through a season in my teenage years where I became anxious about whether or not there was life after death. What if, I wondered, you simply ceased to exist once you died? What if this life is all that there is? These are important questions because they get to such issues as whether there is purpose in this life and whether or not there can be hope, even hope in death.

As I struggled with such questions, I thought about the resurrection of Jesus. How can I know that the resurrection really happened and wasn’t something created by His followers? The answer, for me, to such questions came in how the disciples of Jesus behaved during Jesus’ death and how they behaved after the resurrection. As Jesus died, and during the days before the resurrection, most of the disciples were nowhere to be found. They were afraid and were, for the most part, in hiding. After the resurrection, though, we find a bold group who are willing to risk their lives proclaiming the good news that death has been defeated in Jesus’ death and resurrection. What gave them such boldness? I propose that such boldness does not come from something the disciples made up. If it was something they made up, as soon as the persecution started, they would have rejected the message. If, though, Jesus was really raised from the grave (and I believe this is true), then this changes everything. It not only explains why the disciples were so bold. It also means death has been defeated and does not have the final word for the Christ follower. It means there is purpose in this life beyond just making it through another day.

It means there can be hope, even in the midst of tragedy, sadness, and death.

This is why we celebrate Easter. I hope you will join us for our Easter services on March 27th. We will have our traditional service at 9:00 (not 8:30) and our contemporary service at 11:00. There will be no Sunday School on Easter Sunday, but there will be our normal extended care for infants-Kindergarten for both worship services. I also hope you’ll be in prayer for these services. Please pray that someone who doesn’t yet have the hope of Christ and His resurrection may experience Him for the first time on this day. Have a blessed and happy Easter!

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WORSHIP & MUSIC MINISTRY

THE POWER OF THE CROSS

Join us in the 8:30am service on Palm Sunday, March 20th & 9am on Easter Sunday, March 27th, as the Worship Choir presents musical selections from the suite: The Power of the Cross.

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ADULT MINISTRIES LIFE APPLICATION CLASS - Begins a new study, “Thinking Like a Christian - Understanding and Living a Biblical Worldview” by David Noebel. This generation is faced with the greatest and most serious cultural crisis in history. This crisis is a direct result of a radical change in the way people view what is true. We are living in not just a postChristian culture, but an anti-Christian culture. Sunday, March 13th at 9:45am in room 110.

CSI: Brenham Class - Meets every Sunday at 9:45am in room 205.

Starting Sunday, March 13th we’ll begin a twelve-part study of the “Song of Solomon, a Study of Love, Marriage, Sex and Romance,” by Tommy Nelson. This study consists of twelve video sessions that address the art of attraction, dating, courtship, intimacy, conflict, romance, and commitment. Whether you are single, married, young or old, this study is for you. We invite you to join with us as we learn more about Biblical relationships.

PIECE MAKERS Piece Makers are quick learners! Our gently used longarm quilting machine is fully functional and eight ladies tried it out at the end of our last meeting with great success. A couple more lessons and we will be ready to quilt our pile of baby quilt tops for the Pregnancy Assistance Ministry. Our other projects include a Denim Stars quilt for the Honduras mission trip, walker bags for the area Rehabilitation Center, fleece baby sacks for Colombian infants and two new patterns for denim quilts. Our supply of denim was donated by church members and we are using it in our quilts to spread your love. The display of our auction quilts for the FBC School will be delayed until April, closer to the actual auction.

Anyone is welcome to join us as we serve the Lord through stitching.

We meet the first Tuesday of the month from 9 am until noon in the Student Center.

Rosie Harris is stitching a baby quilt on the Piece Makers new longarm quilting machine.

Questions?

Call Sara Byman at 979-830-8555.

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BIBLE STUDIES & MORE CONNECT & SHARE LIFE TOGETHER IN ONE OF THESE GROUPS! Schroeders - 620 Country Place West. Study: “The Star, The Cross, and the Crescent” will meet on the 1st & 3rd Sunday at 5pm.

Koenig/Sossaman (Ladies/Widows) - Pahl House. Study: Max Lucado’s, “Glory” at 6pm.

Bishops - 4803 Salem Rd., 2nd & 4th Tuesdays at 6:30pm studying: “If You Want to Walk on Water, You Have to Get Out of the Boat.”

Yeakleys - (Excellent Way Bible Study Group) - 800 Loesch St, Tuesdays, at 6:30pm. Study: “Forgotten God; Our Tragic Neglect of the Holy Sprit,” by Francis Chan.

Atkins - 9250 Lake Dr. - Various times and subjects.

Home Builders - Will meet on the 1st & 3rd Sunday at 5:00pm in room 111.

WEEKLY BIBLE STUDIES & FELLOWSHIP

Men’s Prayer Breakfast Studying: “What Every Christian Ought to Know” Wednesdays, 6:00am - Sycamore House.

Sweet Hour of Prayer: Thursdays, 10:00am - Sycamore House Garage.

Pastor’s Bible Study: Wednesdays, 6:30pm - Room 112.

Scrapbook of Our Savior: Wednesdays, Starting March 2nd 6:30pm Room 111.

L A D I E S B I B L E S T U D I ES

The Armor of God by Priscilla Shirer

• Wednesdays 6:30pm Sycamore House. (Childcare available) LADIES BIBLE STUDY FELLOWSHIP CLASS • Meeting on Thursdays, 9:30am - 11:30am, in the Sycamore House.

PRECEPT CLASSES STUDYING ZECHARIAH • Tuesdays 9:00am - 11:00am in the Pahl House.

• Wednesdays - 6:30pm - 7:30pm in the Pahl House.

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ENCORE MINISTRY NEWS THE ENCORE MINISTRY IS ALWAYS UP TO SOMETHING! Our Encore Ministry is comprised of adults 55 yrs of age and above who know God has more for each of them to accomplish for His kingdom.

Therefore, our Encore adults are growing in faith, community, ministry, missions and their love for others.

GREAT STUFF Encore Luncheon Thursday, March 31st The Simon Theatre. 10:00am - Tour & History of Brenham Movie. Catered lunch to follow. Cost is $5.

Call the church office to sign up at 979-836-2807.

CELEBRATE OUR BIRTHDAYS! Georgia Armour 3/1 Carolyn Matejowsky Mike Harris 3/2 Gay Bell James Roundtree 3/4 Sylvia Roundtree Sharon Hamaker 3/4 Rudy Dillard Donna Hammons 3/7 Martha Schneider George Eberly 3/7 Ralph Blevins Owen Batt 3/9 Elaine Sommers Darlene Denman 3/9 Mark Patranella Roger Atkins 3/13 Virginia McCoy Wanda Kramer 3/13 Bobbie Commander

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3/16 3/16 3/20 3/25 3/26 3/28 3/28 3/28 3/30 3/31

A LETTER FROM THE EDITOR Dear Friends, I am writing this while preparing to go on our winter vacation. We are a little later in leaving this year, but we are really looking forward to some down time. This year we don’t really have to look forward to the warm weather. We really haven’t had much cold weather this winter, but we are looking forward to some quiet time, with the loudest thing we hear being the crashing ocean waves to lull us to sleep and to awaken us in the morning. I cannot find the words to tell how peaceful Hawaii is to me. I understand that not everyone enjoys the ocean or water activities, but to me it is wonderful to take in so much of the beauty that God created for us to enjoy. When we arrive back to Washington County, our hills will be alive with beautiful wildflowers. I love the color of the hills in the springtime here. I go and watch our grandson Tyler swim as his spotter every school day. In December I noticed as I turned into the Aquatic Center driveway there was one lonely Bluebonnet blooming. I had noticed it the year before, also in December, with one little bloom on it. This past week it is covered in blooms. Spring is on the way. Spring reminds me of new life and new starts as we plant our gardens. It is also a time when we can refresh our walk with God. Just because we grow older, it does not mean we should just sit and think about what we used to do. We can be used as prayer warriors for those of our church family who are able to go out into the world and spread the love of God everywhere. As we take all of this in this spring think about this; “You don’t have to be a scientist….

To learn from God’s marvelous creation, You only need to stop long enough to observe And let God reveal His wonders to you.” (copied quote from “A Lesson From Geese” – Author Unknown) Blessings, Reba

BIBLE VERSE OF THE MONTH “But God showed His great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners.” Romans 5:8 The Living Bible

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STUDENT MINISTRY I’d like to start off this month’s newsletter with a big THANK YOU church family. January was a difficult month for the Marrs family with my dad getting sick and passing away. I have been fortunate in my lifetime to have not lost many people close to me other than my grandmother. I seriously don’t know how people do it without the love and prayers from other family members and a loving church family. I really appreciate the touching and heart felt cards that you guys sent. I am so blessed to serve here at FBC with an amazing staff and friends. Officiating my father’s funeral was one of the hardest things I’ve ever done, but it was such a comfort to see our church staff and leaders there. I am continually grateful that God put you in my life.

Once again you, church family, have shown not just me but, parents and students that student ministry is important by supporting the Men’s Cake Bake. Thank you so much for fellowshipping with us, making cakes, buying cakes and serving in many ways. Our big cake winner was Burt Bearden, but the biggest winners were our students. I was blown away that we raised $10,000 this year to go to student’s camp. This summer we are going to one of my favorite places - Glorieta, New Mexico. Honestly, I was getting worried about being able to rent buses after I started getting quotes. God has taught me again about trusting in Him - he had it covered all along.

Thank You Jesus for allowing me to be a part of an amazing church, made up of amazing people, at this time in my life.

In Him, Bro. Chad

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CHILDREN’S MINISTRY “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”

John 16:33

Good Morning, People often ask me why I always say “Good Morning” – at 5:00 in the evening. My quick reply when they ask, “what?” or look at their watch, or quickly retort with “Good Afternoon/Evening” is: “It is morning somewhere.” I do realize that this really ruffles the feathers of those who like to have everything nice, neat, and tidy.

However, my morning well wishes are intentional.

First, I like to throw people off kilter a little and have to adjust. I feel this knocks people out of the ruts that we can get in. We walk the same paths everyday and do the same things everyday.

Sometimes we don’t even lift our heads to acknowledge those that are passing by. For these people, sometimes they will answer back with “good morning” before they even realize they are heading out the door to go home for the day.

Secondly, my hope is that it will get people to laugh, or at least chuckle, as they wag their heads at the crazy kids & family minister.

I don’t mind being a little off kilter if I can help bring some joy to a person’s day.

Jesus did the same things. He threw curve balls and would say things that would get people out of their ruts. He even ran into some people who really got their feathers ruffled because He was trying to tell them that the morning was with them, but they couldn’t see the shining Son before them. Some of these people were so ruffled that they grabbed Him up, lied against Him, beat Him up, kept Him up all night and crucified Him on a rugged cross where He would hang till he was dead. But, Jesus knew all of this was going to happen. He was on top of it throughout it all. He allowed it all to happen to give people hope. He was willing to be the sacrifice to bring forgiveness. But the real hope came when He rose from the dead (which is what He said He would do). He even did it when He said He would. Jesus is pretty cool like that and intentional.

His Servant & Yours, Bro. Alex Go to http://www.fbc-brenham.org/connect/children Alex’s newsletter. For dates and other children’s information.

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PRESCHOOL MINISTRIES EXPERIENCING JESUS! MEMORY VERSE: “For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life.” (John 3:16) Spring is almost here, can you believe it? What a beautiful time to Experience Jesus. Our preschoolers are going to do just that this March and April. In January and February we got to join Sammy on his quest to be in “a God story” of his own as we, the church, went through our “Experiencing God” series. This was such a great time for all of us. Now, as we prepare to talk about Easter and rejoice in God’s gift to us through His one and only Son Jesus, our preschoolers will again get the chance to join Sammy on a new journey of “Experiencing Jesus.” I am so excited because we are going to get to go from the very beginning when Jesus was born, to His Death and His Resurrection. There are so many wonderful Bible stories that we will encounter along the way. As we share in Sammy’s journey, see how he is learning, how he can talk to his friends about Jesus. I hope this will excite our little ones just the same.

Please be in prayer for our teachers and our little ones as we go through this exciting journey together. Thank you!

Stacey Happy Birthday To 3-09-12 Paisley (Joy) Covin 3-14-15 Jolene Whitman 3-17-15 Eden Phillips 3-18 -* Kourtney Sheffield 3-28-14 Benjamin Covin 3-29-11 Robert Vaughn Parent/Child Dedication coming up on May 8th.

For more information please contact Stacey Strickland at 979-836-2807 or by email sstrickland@fbc-brenham.org 12

FBC SCHOOL & EEC March is here! I love this time of year. The earth is springing forth new things from God’s hand, and it is beautiful. He does that for us, His people, too! One of my priorities this year has been to make sure I regularly present opportunities for the kids to hear the plan of salvation and offer it to them. The only way to change our world for His good is to start with the heart.

Each prayer that you have said for FBCS is appreciated. Please continue to pray that the families we serve through FBCS will be open to and receive His gift. May we continue to strive to change our community through FBC. Let me know if you have any questions or wish to become more involved in this ministry.

In His Service, Nancy Jahns LIST OF UPCOMING EVENTS March Events Mar 2 Ms. LuLu comes to share

during chapel Mar 4 Drive-thru meal @ fairgrounds March 10 Spring Performance & Open House @ 6:00pm in sanctuary Mar 11 Core Essentials @ 8:15am Mar 14-18 Spring Break – school closed

EEC open

Mar 22 Mar 24

Mar 25

April 1

5th grade to BN&R 1st grade to BN&R Kindergarten – Easter Parade downtown Good Friday – school and EEC closed Kindergarten field trip to Houston Zoo

THANK YOU Thank you, FBC, for blessing our families with prayer last month. FBCS is grateful for you all. Your petitions for these children will not be returned void. He will honor your prayers!

NEEDS We are accepting items for the Texas Celebration live and silent auction on April 22nd. We would also welcome your participation at Texas Celebration.

Please call 836-6411 for more information.

MOTHER’S DAY OUT - KRISTIE MENDOZA March Bible Verses: God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:19 The Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” Mark 10:45 Luke He is not here; he has risen!” Luke 24:6 After He said this, He was taken up before their very eyes; and a cloud hid him from their sight.” Acts 1:9 John Bible Stories: Zacharias, The last Supper, Jesus rose, Jesus in Heaven Color: Green, Blue, Purple, White Letters: M, S, E, U Events: Dr. Suess Day

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SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENTS Our Sympathies To: Chad Marrs and family in the loss of his dad Robert Marrs.

Mary Kay Billington and family in the loss of her dad, John Joseph Riccardo.

The Curry family and Merlene Schumacher and family in the loss of Anna Marye Curry.

Church Thank Yous: Thank you so much for the prayers and support that have been poured out for us during this time. My father was an amazing man of God. Your kind gift to Mother and Unborn Baby Care will continue to bless a ministry very near to his heart.

Blessings, Mary Kay and Bob Dear FBC church and staff, Gary and I want to thank you for the balloon bouquet you sent. The bright colors certainly made the room more cheerful! We appreciate your love and concern so much. It means everything to us!

God is good and we look to Him each day for our provision!

We love you and thank God for your support.

Love, Gary & Jane Sonnenburg

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FROM TROY’S HEART So many great things are happening in our Sunday Bible Study Classes and Disciple Life Home Teams.

Sunday Bible Study: Week after week I go into our classes and see joy, laughter, care and love!! As I walk down the hallways on Sundays I hear teachers enthusiastically speaking truth from the Bible. I also hear members discussing and interacting with one another about those truths. Weekly, I also see members escorting guests into classrooms and I watch as those guests are swallowed in hugs and handshakes!!

Obviously, because of the good things mentioned above, we are seeing classes bulging out of their rooms. Within the past month, we have added chairs and tables to a few of our classrooms to accommodate more disciples. In addition, some of our classes are setting some new attendance records.

I am very proud of the quality of ministry provided by our Sunday Bible Study leaders and members! Keep up the excellent work!

Disciple Life Home Teams: Presently, we have seven Home Teams. Each of them fills a unique role in the life of our church.

Even though each group studies different material, each of them do something very well: help us do life together! The connections made through Home Teams are close and meaningful to each group member. In fact, several of our groups have been in existence for over ten years!!

I have heard numerous times from Home Team members that their group is as close as their family. Within the confines of group meetings, lives are knit together as spiritual intimacy happens.

If you have never ventured into one of our small groups at BFBC, let me encourage you to take a step into a wonderful spiritual journey!! If you don’t know where to start, call me at 979-836-2807 I love you, Troy

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Brenham’s First Baptist Church P. O. Box 600 Brenham, TX 77834-0600

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